UCA gives Arkansas big challenge before falling in overtime

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Central Arkansas fought for more than 30 minutes and took the Arkansas Razorbacks into overtime, but ultimately fell 89-77 on Nov. 10 in Fayetteville.

The Sugar Bears (1-2, 0-0 ASUN) had a late lead with 81 seconds remaining in regulation, but Arkansas went ahead in overtime and outscored UCA 15-3 in the extra frame.

UCA opened the game with a 5-0 run and led through much of the first quarter by attacking inside the paint.

The Razorbacks built a six-point lead as the quarter ended, but a desperation shot by Shae Littleford on an offensive rebound trimmed the deficit to four heading into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Sugar Bears erupted with a 14-0 run — sparked by four three-pointers and a layup after a turnover — turning a four-point deficit into a 10-point advantage over Arkansas.

The Razorbacks responded with a 10-0 run, tying the game 32-32 with just over three minutes left in the half. A 7-0 run by UCA, keyed by senior forward Bree Stephens and Littleford, helped the Sugar Bears take a four-point lead into the locker room.

After halftime, the lead changed hands multiple times in the early third quarter. UCA’s junior guard Cheyanne Kemp scored nine of the Sugar Bears’ 20 third-quarter points, going 4-for-4 inside the three-point line.

UCA stretched the lead to eight late in the quarter, but Arkansas closed it to four heading into the fourth.

The fourth quarter featured more back-and-forth play. A three-pointer by Razorback guard Jenna Cook with 2:37 left felt like a dagger.

UCA fought back with a free throw and two three-pointers — including one with 12 seconds left — to force overtime.

In the extra period, Arkansas surged ahead by scoring 15 of the 18 points and held off the Sugar Bears, handing UCA its third straight loss.

Kemp led the Sugar Bears with 19 points — the most she has scored against a Division I opponent in her collegiate career.

Stephens posted her first double-double in a UCA uniform, finishing with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Littleford added 16 points and contributed two threes and two free throws while playing 37 minutes.

Senior forward Julianna Gibson secured five offensive rebounds and helped UCA score 14 second-chance points.

On the team level, the Sugar Bears shot 39.0 % from the field, made 24.1 % of their three-point attempts and converted 62.5 % of free throws.

They out-rebounded Arkansas 47-50 and committed 10 turnovers, matching the Razorbacks’ 10 errors.

UCA will return home for its next game, hosting Arkansas State Red Wolves on Nov. 19 at the Farris Center.

The Sugar Bears will have time to regroup and work on closing out tight games after taking a strong step by pushing a Power Five opponent into overtime.

Key takeaways:

• UCA led for over 30 minutes and forced overtime against Arkansas despite being the underdog.

• Kemp’s 19 points and Stephens’ 16-rebound performance were standout efforts in the loss.

• The Sugar Bears controlled the boards and matched Arkansas in turnovers, but couldn’t finish in overtime.